Electronics AS Level

Electronics AS Level
The study of Electronics will enable you to gain an understanding of the electronic circuit. You will develop the skills needed to design and build your own circuits.

What does the course involve?
In AS Level Electronics you need to gain an understanding of the electronic circuits so that you can then start to design your own circuits. You will set up and test circuits in the electronics laboratory using electronics kits as well as computer software programmes. The AS course begins by looking at electronic components (resistors, capacitors, transistors etc). You then look at how these components are put together in basic circuits that do a particular job such as amplifying or counting.

You will also study a variety of digital ICs (chips) and how these are used, for instance, in decision making circuits. The aim here is to gain a working knowledge and general understanding of what are otherwise mysterious little black plastic blocks. The course finishes with coursework on programmable control systems. The final section focuses firstly on programming in a high level, computer language,(ladder logic), since this is used extensively throughout industry and then you will learn to program micro-controllers (PIC Chips) at register level. PIC chips have a wide range of applications from cars to washing machines and this opens the door to some exciting project work.

What will I study?
The course is divided into three modules: Introduction to Digital and Analogue, Circuits and Components, and Programmable Control Systems Project coursework.

What are the entry requirements for Electronics AS Level?
You should only apply for this course if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements:-

• GCSE grade C in Science AND Additional Science/Additional Applied Science AND GCSE grade C in Maths

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of each unit/module
• Coursework

What else do I need to know?
What will it lead to?
This qualification will help you to progress, firstly, to A2 and then to degree or HND level in engineering related courses. You will able to choose from a wide range of courses at university including: Electronics, Electronic Engineering, Electronic Products, Design and Technology, Electronic Instrumentation, Applied Electronics, Electronics Media and Communications and Robotics to name but a few. It will also provide an excellent basis if you wish to enter directly into employment and maybe further your career through NVQs.

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous knowledge of Electronics?
No, you do not. Most students have studied GCSE Design courses and may have covered a small amount of electronics, but we begin from scratch, assuming no prior knowledge of the subject.

How much maths is involved in the course?
If you have at least grade C in GCSE Maths, you should be able to cope with the mathematical work.

Is there much practical work involved?
Most lessons include working with circuits on breadboards, LJ kits or using computer simulation. We mainly make temporary circuits so there is very little soldering, PCB work etc.
Exam Board = WJEC

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.

Entry Requirements

You will need grade C in FIVE of the following (inc. short GCSEs) : English Language or Literature/Humanities (History,Geography,RS,Sociology,Psychology)/Business/Science (Core and Additional OR triple)/Maths/Foreign Language - If that does not include GCSE English Language, you must take this course at college and achieve a C to progress to A2.
You must achieve a grade C in any GCSE taken which is directly related to this AS level unless a higher grade is specified.